40 Under 40

 1. Erica has played many roles through her six years at LMH Health—in addition to overseeing finance and operations for the Foundation, she has also played vital roles in strategic initiatives, including the hospital’s work in health equity. 

2. Erica believes more opportunities for healthcare career education is one path to improve health equity in her community. In partnership with the school district, she developed and led the implementation of the LMH Health Leadership Academy, a paid mentorship program that provides opportunities for students from demographics traditionally underrepresented throughout healthcare to experience hands-on leadership development. 

3. Erica earned a Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt by streamlining the LMH Health Foundation's funding process. By decreasing inefficiencies and over-processing, the Foundation significantly increased the amount of board-approved funds transferred to the hospital to more than $750K in 2017, nearly twice the funding from the previous year. Thanks to the generosity of donors, the Foundation provided a record $3.4 million of support to LMH Health in 2018.

4. Erica is also very involved in her community. She was selected by LMH Health to be part of the 2018-2019 Fellowship class, a highly coveted program designed to help develop leadership within the hospital, and she’s a 2018 graduate of Leadership Lawrence, a professional development program that provides first-hand exposure to the inner workings of her community. She has also served as the president of the board of directors for the Boys and Girls Club of Lawrence. Erica is running in the upcoming board of education election for USD 497.

1. How did you get into health care philanthropy?

Several years ago, while working on my Master’s degree in Health Care Leadership, I pursued volunteer opportunities to gain health care experience. Volunteering for the development office was not what I had in mind, but to my surprise I ended up loving philanthropy! After volunteering at the LMH Health Foundation for six months the Chief Development Officer asked me to officially join their team. 


2. Why did you choose to make health care philanthropy your career?

I always knew I wanted to have a career in health care, and I’m passionate about helping people – especially the underserved. Health care philanthropy bridges my two passions perfectly. I’m fortunate to have a career that allows me make a difference in the lives of others.


3. Tell us about a pivot point or crucial step in your career journey.

Getting involved in our hospital’s inclusion, diversity, and equity strategic plan was a pivotal point in my health care philanthropy journey. Leading this effort created a unique opportunity to identify needs in our community, specifically health inequities and social determinants of health. This strategic approach inspired creative funding opportunities for new and existing donors. 


4. What was your first job, and what is something it taught you?

My first job was in telemarking – it was my least favorite job. I was there for 3 ½ years, and that job taught me perseverance and how to not take things personally.


5. What are your future aspirations?

I aspire to help make my community healthier by addressing social determinants of health. I want to develop upstream programs to stop the cycle of poverty, improve educational outcomes for students through community partnerships and mentorships, and implement programs to narrow the gap of health disparities among underserved populations. 

This is also where philanthropy comes into play. We have people in our community that are willing to stand in the gap, break barriers, and improve access to care. 

I believe health is a fundamental human right – not a privilege. Everyone deserves a chance to live a healthy life.